Fly Fishing levels the field for everyone. Being rich and famous does not help you become a better angler.
All fly anglers are rich. Being able to fly fish in Montana’s wonderful waters is something you can take to the bank. Many of the early great anglers who discovered Montana fly fishing were simple folks. Dan Bailey, Bob Jacklyn, and others were teachers back east that moved to Big Sky Country. Charlie Brooks, and others were average people that just liked to fly fish.
With a state smaller or around one million residents, Montana’s rivers and lakes offer wonderful fly fishing. The premier Blue-Ribbon Waters are crowded, but if you are not afraid to hike or explore, you can find waters with less crowds.
Every dam in Montana offers cold-water release. High altitude lakes and streams are also wonderful places to explore. Watersheds flow everywhere around the state. Our Stream Access law allows for access to these rural and local waters. These smaller waters may hold smaller fish, but the fish are scrappy and fun.
Fly fishing is an art. For some anglers, it is about catching fish, for others it’s about freedom and fishing. All anglers enjoy the escape that fly fishing offers. When we fly fish, our minds focus on fishing. Casting is a graceful movement. You do not need the most expensive gear, gadgets, tackle, and clothes to be a great fly angler. Skill is more important than a fat wallet. Matching the hatch, presentation, and catching fish requires learned skills and becoming a student of the sport.
There have been many famous anglers that have cast a line in Montana. Robert Redford still celebrates his time on the water. Hank Williams Jr. gets rowdy on the rivers. Henry Winkler, The Fonz, has Happy Days on the water. Huey Lewis lives along the Bitter Root and has found fly fishing pumps his Heart of Rock ‘n Roll.
Donald Trump Jr. escapes crowds by fishing and relaxing in Big Sky Country. Michael Keaton found a home near Livingston where he is Gung Ho about the local waters. Kevin Costner is an avid angler, branded for life, in Yellowstone Country. Harrison Ford still travels to the Montana Universe to practice his fly-fishing Force. Emma Watson finds Montana inspirational for Harry Potter moments. Steven Segal once lived along the Madison River at the Sun Ranch where trout were Under Siege.
Ernest Hemingway, Gregory Peck, Dan Bailey, Jimmy Buffet, Joe Brooks, Lefty Kreh, and so many others found fly fishing Montana to be a wonderful part of their busy careers. Jimmy Buffet enjoyed his cheeseburgers and trout in Paradise Valley. There have been books, movies, and shows that celebrate the fly-fishing experience.
Fly Fishing is big money in Big Sky Country. Billions of dollars float into Montana annually. Guides are more abundant now than ever. Good luck finding solitude between May and September. Rivers can be crowded with boats and boots.
During a good hatch, you just need an area as far as you can cast. There may be folks fishing closer than you want but just ignore them. Most of them are not good anglers. If they are getting too close, it is because they are seeing you being successful at something that they are not. Advice and encouragement will keep them at bay.
